MILL HALL — Following the multiple threats made to Central Mountain High School in the past week, which pushed its students into remote learning for five days, Keystone Central School District administrators spoke about safety protocols it utilizes to ensure students’ safety while in district buildings.

Threats made towards CMHS began on Friday, March 20, and saw students and staff shelter-in-place while local law enforcement and district personnel investigated the alleged threat. The threat was ultimately unfounded and classes resumed as normal.

However, the following Monday and Tuesday saw bomb threats made towards the building roughly near the start of the school day while many students had yet to arrive. In both instances, students from CMHS and Central Mountain Middle School — which shares bus routes — held remote learning. Investigations into the threats by State police at Lamar and other local law enforcement concluded they were unfounded.

Out of an abundance of caution, the district announced Tuesday that CMHS students would remain on a remote learning schedule for the rest of the week as PSP and the FBI investigated the incidents.

A release from PSP released this week had noted its Lamar Investigative Unit was interviewing students and staff and that potential suspects were identified at the time. PSP had not released any further information as of press time Friday night.

With the sudden disruptions caused by these threats, KCSD Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon and the district’s head of security, Justin Evey, shared information about how the district looks to ensure the safety of its students and staff in each building.

Redmon and Evey noted they could not share major details for its security protocols in the interest of safety, but did provide examples of what procedures are in place.

Redmon told The Express one of its preventative measures is the lock-out system at the main entrances of each building.

A member of the public must first buzz in and state the nature of their visit to staff before the first doors are unlocked.

Once that’s complete, they are asked to provide identification — such as a driver’s license — which staff run through a database for background checks.

After the background check is complete, a visitor’s ID badge is issued and visitors are then funneled through the front office and escorted to and from their destination by a staff member.

“Even once you are in a building, the second set of doors are locked to keep people out,” Evey explained.

Redmon noted it’s always best for members of the public to call ahead and make an appointment when possible before coming to one of KCSD’s facilities.

Protocols like those in place for visitors are one of many ways the district looks to keep the students and staff safe.

“Lock, stock and barrel everything we do is to ensure we have a safe and secure environment for our students and the staff,” Redmon said.

Evey echoed this statement.

“Everything is from a student and staff safety perspective. We have various plans in place to ensure their safety,” he said.

This includes the occasional drills or training, too.

“We try to make sure our students are aware and have practiced the procedures we have in place,” he said.

This includes shelter-in-place scenarios — like the one that played out on March 20 — along with fire drills and even those for extreme weather cases.

Redmon and Evey acknowledge questions and suggestions from community members who asked why the district hasn’t installed metal detectors at the entrances of its schools. They cited increased costs and time as factors as to why the district hasn’t invested in such equipment.

Evey noted, however, the district does have hand-held metal detector wands that can be used when needed.

Redmon touched on the time constraints of installing metal detectors as buildings such as CMHS along with safety concerns.

“Trying to get 1,000 people (staff and students) through detectors at an entry-way would cause a bottleneck and would have people out in the open which is a safety concern,” he said. “It would also extend the time it would take to get everyone through and check bags.”

Cost is also a factor, with the district currently facing a possible $3.5 million deficit in its preliminary 2026-2027 budget.

With a single walk-thru metal detector typically costing over $1,000 each, according to multiple companies which market the product.

Evey also noted the installation of walk-thru detectors would cause a potential increase in personnel to man those machines, further affecting the district’s financial standings.

Even without these devices, Redmon and Evey said the district’s security staff — in partnership with local law enforcement and administrators — continuously work to ensure those who enter district buildings are safe.

Redmon said after incidents, such as the threats made earlier in the week, staff hold action report meetings to determine what works and what doesn’t during an emergency situation.

“We are continuing to meet as we work through this current issue,” he added.

The district is also working with state police and the FBI when coming up with procedures and reviewing current ones, he said.

Evey said they also continue to review internal communications.

“We’re reflecting on those internal communications and how to best keep people informed without additional stress,” he said.

Both offered kudos to the district’s staff as they navigated the sudden shift brought on this week — particularly at CMHS.

“We have a very professional staff. They were quickly able to go from what happened Friday (March 20) to the changes made this week and shifting to remote learning,” he said. “We really do have a highly talented staff.”

He further said he appreciated the students and their ability to shift so suddenly, as well.

Evey said the staff were excellent during this uncommon week for CMHS.

“On Friday we had numerous staff members who didn’t have classes who stepped up and would ask how they could help,” he said.

At this time, Redmon said students at CMHS are expected to return to in-person instruction on Monday, March 30. However, this is subject to change as PSP and the FBI continue their investigation into the prior threats made.

“All of the decisions we make have been made in collaboration with the state police and our own internal security,” Redmon said.

He went on to thank local law enforcement for their help during this time.

“We have a strong partnership with our local law enforcement and state police. They’ve been swift to respond to these emergencies,” Redmon said.

Evey noted other law enforcement such as the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton County Probation and even Penn State Police have offered support.

“We know in a crisis that we have these partnerships,” he said.